The Red Lion

Highland Warriors of Munro #1

by Kathryn Le Veque

1288 A.D. - Sir Jamison Munro is a Highland warrior known as The Red Lion.

Big and burly, with a crown of vibrant red hair, as the son of the chief of Clan Munro, Jamison's path in life was more unconventional than those of his clansmen. Fostering in England and France, Jamison learned the ways of his adversaries before returning home to take his place at his father's side. But his father is a progressive thinker, knowing that in order to survive, his clan must become allies with the English. He knows that isolation will only bring destruction to his clan. Willem Munro has traveled the world, much like his son, and has made friends along the way. When his English friends to the south call upon him to help in their battle with the Welsh, Willem sends his only son.

Now, Jamison finds himself living with the English again as they do battle against the Welsh. Although highly trained in English tactics, and having many English friends, he cannot give himself over 100% to their ways. He sympathizes with the Welsh even as he plans battles against them. Outwardly supporting the English, he is nonetheless torn.

When the call goes out to defend Four Crosses Castle against a Welsh attack, Jamison rides to the siege and finds himself caught up in a nasty battle. With the gatehouse breached, he charges in to defend the occupants only to be attacked by one occupant in particular. What he first believes to be a small and slender knight, he soon finds out differently. He is met with ferocity by a skilled lady warrior.

Lady Havilland de Llion is the daughter of the lord of Four Crosses Castle. Part-Welsh, her family is nonetheless loyal to the English. When she sees the big Scotsman, she assumes he is siding with the Welsh and goes after him with a vengeance. Even upon discovering his loyalties, she doesn't believe him and their fight goes on long after the battle itself is finished. By the end of their fight, she is exhausted. By the end of their fight, Jamison is in love.

Politics, battles, loyalties, and roaring passions play out in a story of high emotion and high adventure. To the big Scots knight know as The Red Lion, nearly everything in his life has come at a price, but in the battle for Havilland's affections, there is no price too high that he will not pay.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Medieval, Medieval Romance, Audiobook, Scotland

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/27/2019)! 🎁

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as fantastic the second time around!!!

First read review: I first read these two main characters in Kathryn Le Veque's novella included in "Once Upon A Haunted Castle, a Celtic Romance Anthology." I was immediately captivated by their devotion to one another and the great love they shared. I was so pleased to see that Ms. Leveque decided to write an entire book about their meeting. "The Red Lion" is that story.

This book was very much character-driven. The women (featuring Lady Havilland de Llion), are warriors who were raised as sons, given swords at an early age and very skilled in their use, and yet vulnerable in their confidence and experience as women. They are English, yet raised entirely in Wales. Our hero, Jamison Munro, is a Scott (along with his fellow "Lions of the Highlands"), who fostered with a very powerful English dynasty, the de Lohrs, is unbeaten in battle, fierce, yet even tempered and fair. So, we have a clash in cultures, personalities, countries and loyalties.

There is a constant threat to the castle, that is being defended by Jamison, of being overrun by the Welsh, there is the puzzle of the tactics being employed by said Welsh, there is the suspicion of a spy leaking information, there is the mystery of the non-appearance of the lord of the castle who is in residence, and there is the hostility displayed by the women towards those defending their castle. Despite these and other factors that keep cropping up, the electricity that is apparent between Lady Havilland and Jamison cannot be denied.

I loved this book. As with all Kathryn Le Veque's books, I was immediately hooked right into the story from the first few pages with an edge-of-your seat ride. The descriptions of the settings and characters were thorough, without being wordy. The story, with all its twists and turns, flowed beautifully. The hero was swoonworthy and not overpowering. The heroine wasn't stupid, whinny and stubborn to the point of aggravating, which I find way too much these days. There was always something happening, which kept my interest throughout. The romance itself was warm and sweet and I loved the dialogue between the two main characters.

I never would have had a clue that this was Kathryn Le Veque's first foray into the world of medieval Highlanders. It is a winner. Yep, this book is a keeper. And, what a fantastic way to set up more captivating stories for the rest of the "Lions of the Highlands." I can't wait to read their stories!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves well over 5 Stars!!

The Red Lion is the first Scottish Highland story for Kathryn Le Veque. I have to say this was truly exceptional. Anytime a story can make me want to continue without stopping I know that it is a hit. It did not disappoint at all. Bravo to Ms. Le Veque for creating a story that left me, the reader, immediately wanting more.

This is the first story of The Lions of the Highlands. This is the story of The Red Lion.

Jamison Munro is the second son of George Munro, Chief of the Munro Clan in Scotland. He has returned home to Scotland after being away for a very long time in England.

When an issue arises between Jamison, his younger brother Robert, and a neighboring clan member, George the elder must send his two sons away in order to save them and their clan. He sends Jamison to Lioncross Abbey Castle in England, to the de Lohr family where he had fostered since the age of 7. He sends Robert to Castle Questing in Northumberland.

While in England again, Jamison goes into battle with the de Lohr's to the Southern Welsh Marches. There he is tasked to secure Four Crosses Castle. Little could he have imagined, he would be denied entry by a very fierce Lady Warrior, one who would turn his world upside down.

Havilland de Llion is the eldest daughter to the Commander of Four Crosses Castle. She and her two sisters have been trained to fight all their lives. When a huge Scottish Highlander wants entry to the Castle, she quickly denies him and shows him what she is made of.

Jamison and Havilland have a very interesting beginning and a complexed developing relationship.

There is intrigue, romance, battle, loyalty and passion throughout this fantastic plot. The Red Lion is a winner. Cheers! I look forward to the next three stories in this Highlander series. If I could award over 5 Stars I would...it truly deserves more.

[BigComfyChairBookReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, but not great.

I liked Jamison, the hero of the story, very much. He was an interesting character to read about. But, I wasn't as impressed with the heroine. I don't feel like she was consistent throughout the novel. You meet a strong somewhat haughty warrior who is praised for her intellect but who turns out to not really be that strong and is in fact quite ignorant about pretty much everything. It kept saying how smart she was, but she can't even read (which if her father raised her as a son he would have taught her) and doesn't seem able to keep up with the hero in terms of intellect. It felt like he was always explaining things to her, it was demeaning.

The whole plot was just a little less polished than LeVeque's other novels. I finished the book but wouldn't have if I wasn't a fan of the author. Try some of her other novels! WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG.
Romance-3/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/

[☆.。.:*・°☆Love2Read♡HEAs☆.。.:*・°☆ {Anne} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated 5 Magnificent Medieval Stars

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Lots of twists and turns and drama. I listened to the audio book. It was pretty well narrated though the women’s voices were AWFUL. Screeching, weird and off-putting. That says a lot for the story because I was determined to finish it. But read the book, don’t listen to it.

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first I have read of this author and I usually love a good highlands story, this however wasn't what I was expecting at all. For a romance book, it was light on the "romance". There doesn't need to be in depth sex scenes, however, there does need to be a connection between the characters, this for me was missing. Definitely disappointed with this, and most likely will not read anymore by this author.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give anything less than 5 stars. Kathryn is my favorite author. This book just didn’t do it for me. The chemistry between the main characters was off. Straight from hate to love. Then the book just ended. They were in a horrible battle where they were losing then poof the end.. what happened to Madeline? Amaline? Their father? I really felt I was left hanging. I don’t mind long books.

[Barbara Literski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This is a new series that is going to be great !! Kathryn Le Veque has done it again in writing her. characters that it made me feel like I was there!!

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Medieval Romance

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamison Munro is a typical big, strong Highland warrior, known as the Red Lion. He also brings a lot of experience in different styles of war fare because he was trained, along with three other Scottish sons, by some of the greatest English Knights.  He has only been home, training his father's men for a short while. Now because of a deadly encounter caused by his brother, he's going south again.  Although our hero is very good at his job,  he really wanted to stay home for longer. The conditions around this latest battle are not helping his temper. 

Lady Havilland de Llion and her sisters have been brought up by their father to be the sons he never had.  That means they are very capable warriors. For the last years they have needed that training,  but things are getting more difficult every day. Having a stranger trying to order her men around is not going happen if she can help it.  There is a secret at the castle that the girls can't let anyone know about.  The castle is at a very important place in the Welsh Marches, that makes attempted invasions a regular occurrence.  

This is an action packed historical adventure.  You will easily fall in love with our characters.  They grab your attention from page one until the end.  There are temper tantrums, battles and a few tears.  The romance is unusual and not very popular with others.  Hopefully we will eventually get the stories about the other Scottish Lions. 

As usual for any book by this author we get a well written, full story that has everything you could want.  

I loved it.  

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any one of Kathryn Le Veque’s stories is like a six-course dinner. It begins with an appetizer taking you into a scene where mischief is played out. As the courses follow, the story gathers momentum, depth, and texture, along with the usual build of tension thrusting us to the main course. By the time I finish one of her stories I am replete, satisfied beyond expectations. She draws me into her web, captivating every one of my senses. I adore her writing, whether medieval, highland or contemporary reads. She, by her plots, many-layered subplots and her vibrant, bold characters creates a story I am absolutely unable to put down. Every. Single. Time.

Jamison Munro is part of The Lions of the Highland. He, along with Beaux, Kendrick and Caspian are sons of clan chiefs and each will have their own story in this new series.

Jamison is sent back to England, where he fostered by his father, for protection against the MacKenzies, who are out to get rid of him. He is back with the de Lohr men. If you’ve read any of this author’s work, you will be familiar with this lot. They are a rare breed among men. While there he is caught up with the Welsh who, like most Scottish, do not tolerate them on land they consider theirs.

The de Llion sisters, half English, half Welsh have my admiration. They were dealt a hard hand. Their father had been mentally ill for some time. They simply hid this fact. All three sisters, Havilland, Madeline, and Amaline, are warriors, made so by their father. He had no sons, so his daughters were his sons. His decision shaped the lives of his daughters until they knew nothing else except battles and protecting Four Crosses Castle against their enemies – the Welsh. The castle and its occupants had all sided with the English.

Havilland is the stronger of the lot, Madeline, fiercely protective of her sister, however, Madeline has her own secrets and wishes for the keep, only complicating Havilland’s need to safeguard her family’s home. Amaline, age 15, is very sensitive to both her sisters’ wishes, although she knows Madeline has a nasty streak in her, as you will discover in the story.

Jamison is a man of strength, both physical and morally. When he meets the de Llion sisters, he is captivated by Havilland. Here is a woman he could respect, and yes, could love, if only she wouldn’t send a dagger his way first!

I more than recommend this new series for readers who haven’t had enough of the highlands, love the excitement of a good battle, both in love and war, and who like their reads demanding their attention them in all directions. Nothing is ever easy in the land of Kathryn Le Veque.

Audiobook review:

A story from Kathryn Le Veque, narrated by Brad Wills, is not just a story narrated, dear reader. It is an experience. Your senses liven. You will thrill to the moment, the smell of the surroundings, the palpable danger and fear, the richly characterized players. Frankly put, Brad Wills is my go-to narrator. It’s obvious he's quite successful. Check my blog for his biography. http://wp.me/p40XtX-2gY

I read The Red Lion four months past. This review discusses both book content and production.

However, principally, this review is my thoughts on the production of this marvelous story. As I listened, I picked up on certain humor I’d missed on the first go-around. Where I hadn’t chuckled with the read, I did with the listen. With the read, I’d missed the absolute marvel of how over-the-top hysterical Havilland can become, what force and ferocious determination emanates from her second sister, Madeleine. The scene when Madeleine meets with her neighbor is quite astounding. I crept up close to what was happening, hid behind the bush with Jamison Munro and heard it all. And reacted much as Munro had. Another scene which totally flew off any page of writing, is Madeleine’s rendition of the truth as she tells her younger sister, Amaline, what Sir Jamison did to her lover.

The voice of the serving woman, loyal to Havilland’s family, is brilliant. I see her very clearly – such an old crone, stooped with age, hands knurled with years of work.
And now a bit on the story.

Jamison Munro is part of The Lions of the Highland. He, along with Beaux, Kendrick and Caspian are sons of clan chiefs and each will have their own story in this new series.
Jamison is sent back to England, where he fostered by his father, for protection against the MacKenzies, who are out to get rid of him. He is back with the de Lohr men. If you’ve read any of this author’s work, you will be familiar with this lot. They are a rare breed among men. While there, he is caught up with the Welsh who, like most Scottish, do not tolerate them on land they consider theirs.

The de Llion sisters, half English, half Welsh have my admiration. They were dealt a hard hand. Their father had been mentally ill for some time. They simply hid this fact. All three sisters, Havilland, Madeline, and Amaline, are warriors, made so by their father. He had no sons, so his daughters were his sons. His decision shaped the lives of his daughters until they knew nothing else except battles and protecting Four Crosses Castle against their enemies – the Welsh. The castle and its occupants had all sided with the English.

Havilland is the stronger of the lot, Madeline, fiercely protective of her sister, however, Madeline has her own secrets and wishes for the keep, only complicating Havilland’s need to safeguard her family’s home. Amaline, age 15, is very sensitive to both her sisters’ wishes, although she knows Madeline has a nasty streak in her, as you will discover in the story.
Jamison is a man of strength, both physical and morally. When he meets the de Llion sisters, he is captivated by Havilland. Here is a woman he could respect, and yes, could love, if only she wouldn’t send a dagger his way first!

I more than recommend this new series for readers who haven’t had enough of the highlands, love excitement of a good battle, both in love and war, and who like their reads demanding their attention in all directions. Nothing is ever easy in the land of Kathryn Le Veque.

My last thought I wish to share is I would listen to this story, again, in a heartbeat. When I wish to read the book again, Wills’ voice will haunt each page. So much emotion, distrust, anger, and eventually, trust, love and happiness. It will sate your every emotion!

[S Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - simply put, I did not like this book and I did not like the heroine. I can’t say for sure why or when, maybe about the same time I lost interest in the story. This was almost DNF but I skimmed to the end because I was curious as to how it ended. I have only read one other Leveque book, so I am not sure of her style. Was this going to be an HR with no H/H resolution?
The story went on and on, the romance was the background and the multiple conflicts were the true story. Their relationship only needed one chapter and it was always in the context of whatever outside conflict was going on at the time. They had some rough patches but again it had more to do with outside influences than the couple themselves.
Not for me.
follow up - I assumed that this was the first of a four part series based on the lives of the other three Highlanders. Looking through the index of her books, there does not seem to be a traditional follow up series. Actually the next book, and apparently the only book that follows the Red Lion still includes Havilland and Jamison. but as a ghost story, I have always wanted to read a follow up of a traditional HR of the couple say 10 years into their relationship. This seems to be a totally different type of story so I will give it a miss.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I snagged this off the freebie list yesterday, happy to find it because I'd just finished the Nighthawk book, which I enjoyed a lot.

Hooray! An author who writes in a way that doesn't have me highlighting shit every other page and screaming WTAF! because a "writer" can't spell, is confused by homonyns at every turn, can't punctuate their way out of a wet paper sack, and is too cheap to hire an editor to hide their illiteracy.

Well... Not so fast. I think this wasn't up to the usual standards or was rushed to publishing. The first few punctuation gaffes, I raised my eyebrows, but then there were weird word choices--here instead of hear, landing on the dirty instead of dirt... Bummed me out a bit, despite the happy ending. I even got emotional several times in the book, but glitches like this took the edge off my enjoyment.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Beginings

Jamison Munroe met Havilland when an attack on her castle took place and he showed up with other soldiers to assist. She didn't believe him and they fought as she was a lady warrior but being he was so huge he took her in hand literally and spanked her in front of her entire army. Once she found out that he was indeed there to help her the ice between them began to thaw. Havi as she was called fondly by her two sisters, had secretly kept her father who was very ill out of site and took command of the castle with the assistance of her two sisters and did so well for nearly two years. All three were lady warriors and was raised as such because their were no sons. There is lots of action and romance in this story. Katherine LeVeque doesn't disappoint.

[Lujuna Brown-Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the Red Lion and thought he was strong and very intelligent. I also liked his lady love, but didn't like how she never controlled her temper. Sometimes her attitude and disposition didn't fit the warrior nature she tried to portray. She was strong because she had been leading an army for her father, but she would lose her temper and forget to use her head. That was the biggest problem I had with her during most of the story. I understood that she also had low self-esteem because her father made her and her sisters fight like men. The Lion was very understanding about this and very supportive. That's what made the story for me. Love how strong these men are and how upstanding they turn out to be.
Very entertaining story from beginning to end.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.

In defense of his brother, Jameson Munroe kills the son of the Laird of another Scottish. His father, fearing retaliation, sent him to the de Lohr's Lion Cross, the English stronghold he had fostered at.
Then in the service of the de Lohr's, he helps in the defense of one of their strongholds on the Welsh border.
Here, he encounters three warrior women, defending the castle, in the father's name.
Okay, there's assaults on the castle, a spy that is uncovered and romance, but the author has written this tale in such a way, that there is suspense and drama. A wonderful story.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel needed better editing on several counts. Blatant grammatical errors could have been fixed easily and would have provided a smoother reading experience. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the plot but too many character personalities felt forced and brittle, almost as if they were not yet fully crafted by the author. There was not nearly enough spark between Jamison and Havilland. Side characters get on-page romps but not our hero and heroine? A no-no in my historical romance guide book. I thought there was so much potential with this story but the overall result fell short of my expectations.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as the first part of a collection of 5 stories. It's an entertaining read that gives enough details to give a flavour of the era. Some of the aspects I found a little too modern and the Scottish accent a bit annoying. ( I am from Scotland and I know it is hard to encapsulate a particular accent)

[Theressa Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good One

This author does it again with another home run. Love, loss, betrayal, a great enemy plot, good friends to support & fight with you and, of course, a happily ever after. The only part I didn’t like was the crude graphic sex. Thankfully, it was only 2X & very, very short. An easy skip over.

[Moonlight 🌸]

The way the Hero & Heroine Met was silly and annoying. They were literally in the midsts of a war and somehow chose to bicker about gender and nationality. It wasn’t appealing.

After some more pages and skipping, the story still didn’t appeal to me. I don’t know if it’s the writing style. Had to leave it.

[Tracy DeNeal · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story. A fierce warrior woman meets a mountain of a Scotsman defending against Welsh marauders.

The suspense was chilling in parts. The action in keeping with the times was quite brutal.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scott at Four Crosses
Fighting off the Welsh is bad enough, but defending yourself from three females is a whole different story. A rousing tale of a man from Scotland, trained with the English, who meets his match in a lady warrior.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook. Entertaining story. Noble, honorable, courageous characters. On the surface, English-held Welsh castle fighting against Welsh armies. Within the castle, internal battles for strength and hierarchy and doing what’s right, are waged by castle inhabitants. Who will win?

[Blue Moon-Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I really enjoyed the book. First time I’ve read this author, and definitely a different type/time of book. Adventure, love, intrigue, the characters are well-defined.

The Red Lion rocks.

[Bonnie Chiarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely enjoyable story! Love highlanders & strong heroines!
Quite the love story too!
Already bought the next book even though it's more than I should spend since retiring not long ago.
Couldn't help myself though since this is such a wonderful story!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathryn Le Vegue does a great job writing about a period of time that is not well known. She makes you feel like you know the characters and feel like you are with them. There were a few spots in the book that went a little too slow, but otherwise an amazing book.

[Sylvia Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Touching Story

This was a very touching story of how they met and how the couple fell in love with each other a less than a week. Then they learn that his father Gwyneth him to a very young girl and he had to go home to marry her and the heartbreak they felt was horrible.

[Fredrick W. Beaty II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Reading Ms. LeVeque's works never disappoints me and The Red Lion is true to form. The main characters are so life like, you feel like you're living in the castle too! I thoroughly enjoy reading these novels and look forward to the next in the series.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance

This was a good book. I thought I read all the stories but I find Jamison’s and Havallin’s story. We all want peace. I hope the next book tells of the sisters.